NHS prepared for staff shortages during swine flu pandemic - 24 Jun 2009
The NHS has insisted that it is prepared to deal with staff shortages that could result from a swine flu pandemic.
More than 2,200 cases of the H1N1 virus have been reported in England, more than half of which have been in the West Midlands.
However, NHS service providers have said they have contingency plans in place to fill staffing shortfalls if doctors and nurses fall ill.
Dr Helen Carter, spokeswoman for the NHS West Midlands, commented: "The NHS has been planning for many years for staff absenteeism and ways that we can deliver a quality service to the public with reduced levels of staffing."
Speaking to BBC News, she said this includes redeploying members of staff to other areas of work should it become necessary.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Small Businesses has warned that not enough companies have drawn up their own contingency plans in the event of widespread illness.
Spokesman Andy Willox said "far too many" small businesses believe the H1N1 virus will not affect their operations.
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